What's BROS?

BROS is the name of the motorcycle that was sold from HONDA in 1988. In Japane, there are two types 647cc(Product-one) and 398cc(Product-two). BROS's engine type is SOHC 3-Valve, Liquid cool, V-Twin-cylinder. In the USA, BROS is sold by US HONDA as "HAWK". In the Europe, BROS is sold by EUROPE HONDA as "NTV"

BROS developed�@when Japan was the boom of racer replica in the latter half of 80's. Most of the motorcycles that are moving in the town at the time were a racer replica. The development formation of HONDA made the user layer that got tired to the replica aiming at the discrimination with the replica, the target and developed BROS.

Accordingly, HONDA equips the aluminum twin tube frame, pro arm etc. to BROS and intend the improvement in the touring face and installed a torque style engine.

Motorcycle magazine that was decorated to the copy called "G impression BROS". it seemed to be indicated direction nature of new motorcycle. But, almost Japanese people didn't accept BROS. So that, it became unpopular motorcycle.

1. BROS and Japanese naked motorcycles then

First of all, let's try to see the situation of before that BROS is born. In the former half of 80's, when air cool engine was a mainstream at the 400cc motorcycles, such as CBX and XJ, GPz-F took a breath. Racer replica was advancing more high performance by Liquid cool engine.

In such circumstance, naked motorcycle was said replica's cowl removed, impression couldn't be wiped like imitation replica. For example VFR400Z, FZ400N, FX400R. In being sad, their are all unpopular now.

By many new technology that were brought forth by the replica boom as for naked motorcycle of the image such as the air cooling 4 cylinder of a conventional steel tube double cradle frame, there was an out-of-date impression. The mainstream after that '88 around and 3 company of HONDA, YAMAHA, SUZUKI announced new naked motorcycle preferably.

HONDA	'88	BROS	YAMAHA	'85	SRX
	'89	CB-1		'86	SDR
		VT250 SPADA
SUZUKI	'89	Bandit
		COBRA
		WOLF

First says a conclusion, I can say that successful motorcycle is only "Bandit". Of course, both SRX and SPADA were sold suitably, but SRX is single so that more tastefully. Due to manageable , so SPADA was said "girl's motorcycle". BROS sold doing all right, but many people selected Inline Four.

There was maker that was contemplating naked developing boom. that maker is Kawasaki. Kawasaki announced naked motorcycle "like motorcycle type" such as steel double cradle frame and air cool system. Yes, it's ZEPHER.

This motorcycle was sold '89 and could win 400cc naked motorcycle market. Hides the frame of fuel tank, twin rear shock, air cooling system. 8 valve engine was detuned, but many user supported ZEPHER. Because, manageable and image of "Z series" were accepted by beginners and tired racer replica user.

HONDA was confused, They announced CB400 SuperFour in the '92. It became popular for steady making. Also YAMAHA and SUZUKI announced XJR400 at '93 and GSX400 at '94. So that, naked motorcycle and others who it was developed in the 80's latter period have been stabbed almost finish except for Bandit of SUZUKI.

and '93